Léon Boëllmann - Orchestral Works (Patrick Davin)

Information

Composer: Léon Boëllmann

• Symphony in F major, Op. 24
• Variations symphoniques pour violoncelle et orchestre, Op. 23
• Quatre Pièces brèves pour cordes

Henri Demarquette, cello

Orchestre Symphonique de Mulhouse

Patrick Davin, conductor

Date: 2018

Label: Fuga Libera

https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/boellmann-symphonie-en-fa-majeur-variations-symphoniques-quatre-pieces-breves

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Review

Léon Boëllmann’s Suite gothique has long been a staple of the organ repertoire and a number of his chamber works have been recorded over the years but this is the first appearance on record of his only symphony. Premiered in 1894, three years before Boëllmann’s death at the age of 35, the symphony was dedicated to Saint-Saëns. Following the model of the latter’s Third Symphony, Boëllmann combines the initial Allegro and slow movement in a single span, although the Scherzo and finale are presented as separate movements. It’s a well-crafted, engaging and occasionally ingenious work but not one that strikes me as being especially original or profound.

The cello was Boëllmann’s favourite instrument after the organ and features in many of his works, including the Symphonic Variations of 1892. Although only 11 minutes long, it’s a work rich in lyricism and contrast, capped by an extrovert and stirring conclusion. Paul Tortelier recorded a fine version in the 1970s (EMI/Warner, 10/79), but Henri Demarquette’s virtuoso and persuasive interpretation is equally impressive.

The Four Short Pieces of 1896, also previously unrecorded, derive from a larger collection of pieces originally written for harmonium. Rescored by Boëllmann for strings, the pieces have a classical restraint that provides a strong contrast with the Symphony. The last of the four, a wistful Andantino, is especially attractive. As with the other works on the recording, the late Patrick Davin draws committed playing from the orchestra and the sound is first-class.

-- Christian Hoskins, Gramophone

More reviews:
https://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev//2021/Sep/Boellmann-sym-FUG780.htm

https://www.allmusic.com/album/l%C3%A9on-bo%C3%ABllmann-symphonie-en-fa-majeur-variations-symphoniques-quatre-pi%C3%A8ces-br%C3%A8ves-mw0003528049

https://www.amazon.com/Bo%C3%ABllmann-Symphonie-majeur-Variations-symphoniques/dp/B0955HN5RG

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Léon Boëllmann (25 September 1862 – 11 October 1897) was a French composer. During the sixteen years of his professional life, Boëllmann composed about 160 pieces in all genres. His best-known composition is Suite gothique (1895), now a staple of the organ repertoire, especially its concluding Toccata with a dramatic minor theme and a rhythmic emphasis that made it popular even in Boëllmann's day. Boëllmann also wrote motets and art songs, works for piano, a symphony, works for cello, orchestra and organ as well as a cello sonata (dedicated to Jules Delsart), and other chamber works.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Léon_Boëllmann

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Patrick Davin (16 February 1962 – 9 September 2020) was a Belgian conductor. He began studying violin at the Académie de Huy, then at the Royal Conservatory of Liège, where he took courses in violin, piano, harmonics and fugue. He continued his education at the Conservatoire de Toulon. Davin was a pupil of René Defossez, Pierre Boulez, and Peter Eötvös. He served as musical and artistic director of the Orchestre symphonique de Mulhouse from 2013 to 2020. In July 2020, he became director of the music department of the Royal Conservatory of Liège. He died at the age of 58 after suffering a heart attack.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Davin

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